Transcript Highlights:

• Call the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee to order.
• </c> and Public Safety and Public Safety professionals<00:01:42.360><c> Mr</c><00:01:42.600><c> chair
• So it's a large public safety issue.
• We stand by, ready to engage with you in all matters that impact public safety.
• We stand by, ready to engage with you in all matters that impact public safety.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Strm, but for funding for the School Safety Center, is that a mix of federal and state funding, just
• I believe that there were some federal grants in the past that went to the Department of Public Safety
• center is that a for the school safety center is that a mix<00:51:24.760><c> of</c><00:51:24.960><c>
• of Public Safety for that purpose<00:51:46.400><c> but</c><00:51:46.720><c> we'll</c><00:51:46.920><
• </c><00:53:46.520><c> and</c> concussion awareness safety and concussion awareness safety and protection

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• First, the regulation does not adequately redress the imminent threat to public health and safety.
• First, the regulation does not adequately redress the imminent threat to public health and safety.
• </c> to public health and safety. to public health and safety.
• The KBOE has failed to post meeting minutes and crucial decisions that affect public safety.
• And we've heard affects public safety.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection. Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection. Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And these are, in rank order: the life safety and security risk for patients and staff; frequency and
• The second category is our safety projects.
• So currently we have fire safety and anti-ligature projects underway at our hospitals.
• Sycamores' mobile crisis teams immediately worked to ensure Sarah's safety by coordinating a hospital
• Instead, they're removing the middle of a lifeline and cutting a hole in a vital public safety net.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And these are, in rank order: the life safety and security risk for patients and staff; frequency and
• The second category is our safety projects.
• So currently we have fire safety and anti-ligature projects underway at our hospitals.
• They develop a safety plan with a member and their family.
• Instead, they're removing the middle of a lifeline and cutting a hole in a vital public safety net.

Summary: The subcommittee heard budget and policy updates from the Department of State Hospitals, the Commission for Behavioral Health, and the Department of Health Care Services. DSH described its proposed 2026-27 budget of $3.2 billion, including savings tied to IST solutions, higher patient-driven operating costs, and a small increase in caseload projections. Officials said the department has met court-ordered IST treatment benchmarks, with wait times reduced from a pandemic peak of 1,953 pending placements to about 250, and average treatment initiation now around five days. Members asked about the effects of Proposition 36 and SB 1323, rising outside hospitalization costs, Medicare enrollment, and whether IST solution funding was being overbudgeted; DSH said referrals are slightly down overall, aging and medically complex patients are driving outside care costs, and the IST solution savings reflect slower-than-expected program activation rather than a service gap. The department also outlined proposed funding for CONREP cost increases, a new county-by-county LPS bed allocation model, electrical infrastructure upgrades at Napa and Patton, SB 380 transitional housing feasibility work, and additional dental staffing and space at Metropolitan and Patton. The Commission for Behavioral Health reviewed its role in the Behavioral Health Services Act transition and its new Innovation Partnership Fund. Staff said the commission is shifting from county-level innovation oversight to a statewide grant strategy, with the first $20 million RFA drawing strong interest and awards expected in mid-June. Members asked how “innovation” would be defined, whether grants could be renewed after the initial three-year contracts, and how the state would ensure the money supports real service delivery rather than general outreach or training. The commission also sought a liquidation deadline extension for the Alcove youth drop-in center grants so remaining funds can be spent before they revert, allowing sites to finish implementation and support the final evaluation. DHCS provided an overview of CalAIM and BH Connect implementation, including updated specialty mental health access criteria, new ASAM-based substance use treatment standards, contingency management, traditional health care practices for tribal members, workforce investments, evidence-based practice expansion, IMD participation, and transitional rent services. The department also addressed BHSA implementation, saying it does not track specific local program cuts but will monitor county three-year plans, performance measures, and outcomes as counties shift to the new funding structure. On H.R. 1, DHCS said it is preparing outreach, eligibility simplification, and exemption strategies to reduce Medi-Cal coverage losses, including clinic navigators, a statewide outreach campaign, and possible employment supports through a future waiver. The department also reported that BH-CHIP bond funds have supported 437 infrastructure projects, creating 546 facilities and more than 9,500 residential beds, with additional outpatient capacity and tribal investments. Finally, DHCS outlined a proposed 988 trailer bill to create a statewide designation process for 988 centers and mobile crisis teams, with implementation no earlier than October 1, 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gary Westcott, Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
• HB 1107 does nothing to improve public safety.
• From a public safety and economic standpoint, From a public safety and economic standpoint, the use of
• This is a public safety bill.
• This is a public safety bill.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee first handled several housekeeping items, voluntarily deferring HB 123, HB 255, and HB 994 without objection. It then took up SCR 3 by Senator Brock Myers, which would delay and revise implementation of a state police rule affecting criminal history background checks for licensed ambulance personnel and certain health care workers. After adopting Amendment Set 434 to remove a provision involving parish and local law enforcement checks, the committee reported SCR 3 as amended favorably. The committee also heard HB 978 by Rep. Lecombe, which as amended raises the population threshold for municipalities required to remit certain special costs to the District Indigent Defender Fund from under 5,000 to under 9,000; with support from the town of Addis and related stakeholders, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 967 by Rep. Moore, which sought to remove language limiting parole eligibility for certain pre-July 2, 1973 life-sentenced offenders to those who had pleaded guilty, thereby allowing a small group of elderly inmates convicted at trial to seek parole consideration. Supporters argued the bill would only create an opportunity for review, not release, and cited rehabilitation and fairness concerns; opponents, including district attorneys and corrections officials, argued the 2022 law already addressed the intended group and that the current bill would reopen cases involving serious violent crimes. After extended debate, the motion to report HB 967 favorably failed on an 8-3 vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 1107 by Rep. Melerine, a bill on determining intellectual disability in capital cases. The bill, as amended, raised the burden of proof to clear and convincing evidence, set an IQ threshold framework, required expert reports and Daubert-type reliability review, and limited the article to post-conviction capital cases. The Attorney General’s office and district attorneys supported the bill as a way to create clearer procedures and speed resolution of Atkins claims, while criminal defense lawyers, disability advocates, clergy, and medical experts opposed it as inconsistent with current clinical standards and potentially unconstitutional, warning that rigid IQ cutoffs and presumptions could wrongly expose people with intellectual disabilities to execution. The transcript ends during closing remarks on HB 1107, with no final committee vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• But public safety has a cost, and I think as a state, we're willing to invest in public safety.
• It's about seeking the safety of the community.
• It's about seeking the safety of the community.
• And safety is very important, isn't it? Yes, absolutely.
• And you had talked about the safety, the incredible difference in safety records that guided vehicles

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of those facility standards deal with players' health, safety, and welfare.
• But the standards did change in 2021 regarding players' health, safety, and welfare, and so we're dealing
• </c><00:09:17.959><c> and</c> regarding players health safety and regarding players health safety and
• while fueling the kind of activity, energy, and growth that supports housing opportunity, public safety
• Safety that will never change we're very Safety that will never change we're very proud<00:47:32.960>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think public safety is key. Any other questions?
• Public safety is the incentive. Prison safety is the incentive. Public safety is the incentive.
• And so I've said, and the safety of the community is number one by far for me.
• So the question becomes, what's the price of public safety?
• If it's public safety, why is that the focus and why not in other places? So.

Committees: Joint Judiciary , Joint Judiciary Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We can't afford to lose this critical safety net.
• There are both private and public safety net hospitals.
• So both kinds of hospitals function as safety net.
• And we are the safety net for the least well served in our community.
• safety and elections and roads and all those things.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I work behind the scenes in public safety.
• Just as any of my public safety colleagues would tell you.
• It will impact what I do and my safety.
• to speak up. ...to school safety and have a safe learning environment.
• This bill hurts efforts to make better safety standards.

Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of bills, beginning with several measures that were amended and reported favorably, including a strike-all to SB 4 on child protective investigations and specific medical diagnoses, SB 1570 restoring a statewide missing-persons project for individuals with special needs, and SB 182 creating a teacher training and mentoring program for schools needing improvement. Members also advanced SB 794 on APD background screening and support coordination standards, SB 1168 on background screening for athletic coaches and related entities, and SB 214 to let rural special districts pay verified invoices directly for state- and federally funded work. Supporters emphasized improved child welfare investigations, help for families of vulnerable individuals, teacher retention, and better administrative efficiency; the APD bill drew especially strong testimony from waiver clients and providers about the importance of competent support coordinators and stable services. The committee also favorably reported SB 1376 on grants for genetic counseling education, SB 1574 requiring newborn screening for biliary atresia, SB 1510 as the DEP agency package with environmental, septic, water quality, solar, and permitting changes, and SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery licensing and consumer protections. SB 688, after a delete-all amendment, would create licensure for naturopathic doctors and a board of naturopathic medicine; it drew strong support from naturopathic advocates and sharp opposition from a critic who argued the bill would authorize diagnosis and treatment beyond appropriate limits. SB 1318 made a technical change to scholarship account reversion language, with senators clarifying that remaining funds would return to the scholarship funding organization for future use rather than to the state. Later, the committee approved SB 682 on domestic violence and protective injunctions, SB 130 on workforce training for current and former inmates, and SB 1548, the latest Live Local Act iteration expanding affordable housing options and limiting local barriers. It also reported favorably SB 536 on criminal gang membership criteria after extensive debate about constitutional issues and modern gang activity, SB 762 allowing cross-jurisdiction assignment of capital cases among regional conflict counsel offices, SB 1332 strengthening career offender registration requirements, SB 1742 creating a new offense for indecent exposure of sexual organs to a minor, and SB 1750 increasing penalties for serious sex offenses and child sexual abuse material crimes. The most contentious discussion came on SB 1226, which would overhaul Public Employee Relations Commission rules, require majority support for union certification, and impose new limits on union activities and dues-related practices; members debated constitutional concerns, differences between first responders and other public employees, and the bill’s impact on union representation and public-sector labor rights. Most bills were reported favorably by roll call, with SB 536 drawing several no votes and SB 1226 still under active debate at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the president of Arizona for Gun Safety, and I'm here in opposition to HB 2076.
• True school safety means prevention, not reaction.
• This is not about prioritizing safety. It shields someone using the gun from liability.
• This is not about prioritizing safety.
• Currently, and Chairman had a committee last session about school safety reporting and school safety

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> problem is it's it's a matter of safety problem is it's it's a matter of safety and<00:51:21.280
• sure public safety is number one.
• </c><01:04:04.960><c> Task</c> sit on the Governor Highway Safety Task sit on the Governor Highway Safety
• </c> constituent safety is is paramount. constituent safety is is paramount.
• So whether public health and safety.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In that sense, it's kind of creating a safety net.
• It would refocus land use on genuine public health and safety concerns.
• It would refocus land use on genuine public health and safety concerns.
• It would refocus land use on genuine public health and safety concerns.
• It would refocus land use on genuine public health and safety concerns.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii faces an urgent roadway safety crisis.
• </c> Hawaii faces an urgent raway safety Hawaii faces an urgent raway safety crisis<00:10:45.920><c>
• </c><01:05:33.839><c> requir</c> relating to highway safety requir relating to highway safety requir
• </c><01:11:45.960><c> which</c> relating to Traffic Safety which relating to Traffic Safety which requires
• </c> address some of the traffic safety address some of the traffic safety issues<01:12:01.040><c> on

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and arts-related measures. HB 307 on special member plates drew written support from Protect Ohana, and HB 531 on a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center specialty plate received strong support from the Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society, both emphasizing cancer research, patient care, outreach, and public awareness. HB 706 would require skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, and HB 1231 would expand red light photo enforcement; both drew support from transportation and safety advocates, while the Judiciary raised concerns about citation volume, staffing, manual processing, and the need for consultation and a phased rollout. The committee also discussed HB 54, which increases penalties for repeated excessive speeding offenses; the Attorney General’s office supported the enforcement rationale and fingerprinting language, while the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it adds harsh penalties and jail time despite broader efforts to reduce excessive punishment. For the camera-enforcement bills, the Department of Transportation said the red-light and speed-camera programs would be expanded gradually, with existing intersections converted first and additional locations added over time, and noted that the system would require about $2 million and significant automation for the Judiciary. The Judiciary repeatedly asked for more time, public input on camera locations, and effective dates that would allow staffing and system changes. On HB 1166, which funds the automated speed enforcement program, DOT proposed technical amendments to make the citations non-moving violations and to align the statute with the red-light program; the Judiciary again said it had no position on the policy but needed time and consultation to absorb the workload. HB 235, a North Shore red-light imaging bill, drew similar Judiciary concerns and support from a testifier who said enforcement would improve compliance and reduce crashes. The committee also heard HB 1159 on commercial harbor evacuations, with Hawaii Emergency Management Agency supporting the bill as a way to give harbor masters enforceable authority to order vessels out during emergencies. The discussion focused on whether the measure would affect all commercial harbor users, including smaller fishing vessels, and whether it would conflict with Coast Guard authority; the bill’s proponents said it would let the state enforce orders already issued by the captain of the port and protect cargo lanes during crises. Finally, HB 17 on the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority was described by HCDA as a housekeeping and structural bill that would update its purposes, allow it to assist other agencies, and replace multiple county boards with a single program reporting to the 17-member board. DHHL supported the bill because of potential transit and infrastructure benefits for Kapolei and nearby homestead developments, and committee members discussed future financing tools such as improvement districts, TIF, and other mechanisms to fund infrastructure early in the development process.

Transcript Highlights:

• been stretched to address minor technical issues rather than real life safety hazards.
• And finally, safety,... This is a nonpartisan issue.
• I am Jennifer Hanley, head of safety policy for North America at Meta.
• Due to mental health and a lot of the child safety concerns that Congress had, right?
• We have had youth safety hearings over a number of years.

Committee: House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard and passed several bills dealing with insurance fraud funding, education scholarships, apprenticeships, workers’ compensation fraud, credit unions, manufactured home installation licensing, short-term rentals, homeowners associations, condo disclosures, and an advanced manufacturing infrastructure reimbursement program. HB 4020 would raise the annual insurer assessment cap for the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions fraud unit from $1,050 to $1,350; it passed after testimony from Nationwide supporting the added resources. HB 2255 would extend Arizona Teachers Academy scholarship eligibility for community college students from two academic years to four, and HB 2591, as amended, would revise the definition and requirements for registered apprenticeships under DES standards; both passed unanimously. HB 2680, as amended, would narrow and clarify workers’ compensation fraud-related provisions and insurance disclosure requirements, and HB 2979, as amended, would modernize credit union bylaws, name changes, and operating powers; both also received due pass recommendations. HB 2868, which adds insurance and fingerprint-clearance requirements for manufactured home/mobile home installation licensees and gives the Department of Housing additional licensing authority, passed with some members present or voting no. The committee also took up HB 2429, a strike-everything amendment on short-term rentals that would let local governments set occupancy limits, extend the violation window for suspension actions from 12 to 24 months, and allow suspension after certain building code violations. The sponsor and city officials described it as a compromise giving communities more local control, while short-term rental owners and neighborhood advocates raised concerns about overbroad enforcement and the scale of the housing impacts; the bill passed 8-2 with one present. HB 4011, which would codify duties for condominium and planned community associations to act reasonably and provide access to information, was heard without the proposed Carter amendment and passed 11-0 after testimony from homeowners, attorneys, and HOA representatives about fairness and enforceability. HB 2397, another HOA-related bill, would expand disclosure requirements for condo and association purchases and escrow information; it passed unanimously after supporters said it would improve consumer transparency. Finally, the committee heard HB 4026, which would change the public infrastructure reimbursement program for advanced manufacturing projects by replacing the current statewide cap with a $75 million annual cap and requiring more transparency for related agreements. Supporters, including Queen Creek’s mayor, GPEC, and the Arizona Chamber, said the program helps fund roads, water, wastewater, and other infrastructure needed to attract large manufacturing investments and jobs, while some members questioned the budget impact and whether the program benefits rural areas. The discussion emphasized projects such as LG in Queen Creek and other major manufacturing investments, with supporters arguing the bill preserves Arizona’s competitiveness and generates long-term tax revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the primary focus of the board is public safety.
• </c> focus of the board is uh public safety. focus of the board is uh public safety.
• </c> safety or security. safety or security.
• </c> regulations protect the health safety regulations protect the health safety and<01:03:43.600><c>
• Um, and then if you safety, or security.

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:44:03.360><c> as</c> uh department of public safety as uh department of public safety as opposed
• a division of Department of Public Safety.
• Now it would go to the Mississippi uh Department of Public Safety as opposed to the highway patrol.
• a division of Department of Public Safety.
• </c> Department of Public Safety. Department of Public Safety.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Life safety upgrades.
• Parks is currently engaged in a life safety project centered around guest safety and security.
• </c><01:19:39.280><c> Parks</c> Life safety upgrades. Next slide. Parks Life safety upgrades.
• </c> is currently engaged in a life safety is currently engaged in a life safety project<01:19:42.800
• Other life safety keys not working.

Keywords: Discussion of SB 126 (2025 RS) 00:05:13 Discussion of HB 16 (2025 RS) 00:15:40 Kentucky Department of Parks – Overview 01:05:06, 958, all

Summary: The committee met jointly for State Government, State and Local Government, and Elections and Constitutional Amendments, approved the minutes from the September 23 meeting, and then took up discussion of Senate Bill 126, a proposed constitutional amendment to restrict the governor’s pardon power. Senator Chris McDaniel said the measure was prompted by concerns over pardons issued in 2019 and would bar pardons for 60 days before a gubernatorial election through the swearing-in of a new governor, leaving the power otherwise intact. Members who spoke generally supported the proposal as a way to increase accountability, and McDaniel said he intended to place it on the 2026 ballot. No vote was taken on the bill during the discussion. The committee then moved to House Bill 16 on water fluoridation. Representative Hart and Senator Greg Elkins said the bill would remove Kentucky’s fluoridation mandate and give local water districts the choice to add fluoride or not. They emphasized that the revised draft also adds immunity language to protect districts from civil litigation regardless of their decision. Dr. Jack Call, a Louisville dentist, presented against fluoridation, arguing that the main dental benefit is topical rather than from drinking water and citing studies and reports he said linked fluoride exposure to reduced IQ in children and other health concerns. Cindy Batson, a nurse and parent, also supported the bill and said she had testified on the issue for years. During questions, Senator Rollins raised concerns about fluoride being an industrial byproduct and described fluoridation as forced medication. The discussion remained focused on the bill’s local-control and immunity provisions, with sponsors saying they were not trying to relitigate the broader science but wanted to remove the mandate. The transcript ends while questions and testimony on HB 16 were still underway, and no final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• For safety reasons, are not allowed.
• </c> between health and safety and quality. between health and safety and quality.
• </c> risk to the child's health and safety. risk to the child's health and safety.
• </c><01:00:16.960><c> and</c><01:00:17.200><c> we</c> safety, they give a lower score. and we safety,
• </c> health and safety will be so welcomed. health and safety will be so welcomed.

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house